February 16, 2023 3:25 a.m.

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court will hold their 101st graduation ceremony on February 21st at 5:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the event which will be held at the Douglas County Circuit Court in Courtroom 303.

The Honorable Robert B. Johnson will deliver the keynote address. Johnson said, “This cohort of graduates have demonstrated a sustained, transformational growth while in the program and their journeys have been nothing short of inspirational”.

A release from Douglas County Circuit Court said the event will recognize 7 individuals whose lives have been transformed by the treatment and support provided in the program. With their friends and family in attendance, the graduation will honor these men and women who have completed an intensive program of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, close supervision and accountability.

Presiding Judge Kathleen Johnson said, “Our inspiring graduation is evidence of the tremendous impact the Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court has had on our community since 1996”.

The release said H.O.P.E. stands for hope, opportunity, pride and emancipation. It is an abstinence-based program that connects participants with treatment services, provides supervision through probation, and holds participants accountable through frequent court dates. 604 participants have graduated from the program since its inception. That includes 302 men and 284 women.

Team partners for the program include: Douglas County District Attorney, Umpqua Valley Public Defender, Douglas County Probation Department, Adapt and the Department of Human Services.